Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Easy & Creamy Indian Curry

If you’ve ever dreamed of diving into a rich, creamy, and aromatic curry without spending hours in the kitchen, then you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s as hands-off as you can get, but the flavors are anything but boring. You get tender chicken, perfectly cooked cauliflower, and a luscious sauce that’s full of warming spices—comfort food at its finest! Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your slow cooker butter chicken turns out restaurant-quality every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooking: Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day.
Rich Flavors: A blend of curry powder, garam masala, and fresh aromatics gives this dish authentic depth.
Tender Chicken & Veggies: The slow cook method ensures juicy chicken and perfectly soft cauliflower every time.
Flexible & Family Friendly: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd—I love how versatile this recipe is.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy orange curry with visible cauliflower florets coated in the sauce. The dish is garnished with small pieces of green herbs scattered evenly on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The texture looks rich and smooth, with chunks of cauliflower immersed in the thick sauce inside a black cooking pot. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, easy Indian curry, creamy chicken crockpot, flavorful slow cooker chicken, beginner-friendly butter chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe come together to create a sauce that’s creamy without being heavy and bursting with savory, spicy notes. I’ve found that using full-fat dairy or coconut milk really helps the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged evenly, a small mound of diced yellow onion, a neat pile of minced fresh ginger, four whole garlic cloves, a handful of golden curry powder, a small heap of garam masala, a pinch of chili powder, a small pile of kosher salt, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth tomato paste, fresh cauliflower florets spread out, another white bowl holding bright red tomato sauce, several small cubes of unsalted butter, a white bowl containing creamy half-and-half, a bowl of thick plain nonfat Greek yogurt, and a bunch of fresh cilantro sprigs artfully placed, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, easy Indian curry, creamy chicken crockpot, flavorful slow cooker chicken, beginner-friendly butter chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred and soak up all that buttery sauce.
Coconut oil: Adds a subtle sweet undertone and helps sauté the spices perfectly.
Yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness when cooked down.
Fresh ginger: The zingy freshness balances the creaminess.
Garlic: A must-have for that warm, savory punch.
Curry powder, garam masala, chili powder: Blending these spices gives you layers of flavor without needing extra ingredients.
Tomato paste & tomato sauce: Provide that rich, tangy base for the sauce.
Cauliflower florets: They soak up the spices and add a nice texture contrast.
Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce its silky smooth finish—sub coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk: For that creamy body to the sauce, don’t skip the fat here.
Plain nonfat Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that brightens the dish.
Fresh cilantro (for serving): Brings a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried tweaking it to suit whatever mood I’m in—or whoever I’m cooking for—which really makes it feel like a go-to in my kitchen.

Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use full-fat coconut milk plus non-dairy yogurt. It’s just as creamy and delicious without the dairy.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu to keep that buttery texture and soak up the flavors.
Spice Level: Add extra chili powder or a fresh chopped green chili if you like it hotter—I often do!
Extra Veggies: I’ve added peas or bell peppers for a fresh crunch and color boost when I want to get more veggies in.

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your onions and spices for max flavor

I always start by heating the coconut oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. This step is essential—it wakes up the spices and sweetens the onions. When the onion starts to soften, I add the ginger, garlic, curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and the tomato paste. Give it about 30 seconds or so until you smell those incredible aromas—it smells almost like magic unfolding. This quick sauté really layers in that authentic flavor that slow cooking alone can’t do.

Step 2: Layer and slow cook the chicken and cauliflower

Next, transfer your sautéed mixture into a slow cooker and arrange the chicken breasts on top. Then scatter the cauliflower florets over everything and pour the tomato sauce over it all. I like to gently stir the sauce around the cauliflower so everything gets coated, but I leave the chicken mostly undisturbed beneath so it cooks evenly and stays moist. Toss small pieces of butter on top—this is where the richness really starts to build. Then cover and cook on high for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Make sure you check with a thermometer or cut into a piece to ensure your chicken hits 165°F so it’s perfectly done and not dry.

Step 3: Get that cauliflower tender and finish the sauce

When the chicken’s cooked, I remove it to a cutting board to cool a bit—this step makes chopping easier and safer. At this point, the cauliflower will still be pretty firm, so I give everything in the slow cooker a vigorous stir to coat the florets with sauce and cover again, cooking on high for another 30 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it — you want tender, but not mushy florets. Then chop the chicken into bite-size pieces and stir it back in.

Step 4: Add creaminess with half-and-half and yogurt

This is the trickiest part! Stir in your half-and-half or coconut milk first and let the pot cool just a little (I usually wait 5 minutes or so). Adding the yogurt too soon while the mixture’s hot can make it curdle. Once the temperature’s right, fold in the yogurt for that signature creaminess and slight tang. Give it a gentle stir and that’s it—you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: I learned that simply tossing raw spices into the slow cooker dulls their flavor; sautéing first brings out a fresh, vibrant aroma.
Check Chicken Temperature Early: Slow cookers vary, so checking early prevents drying out—you want juicy, tender chicken, not tough.
Patience with Yogurt: Waiting till the curry cools a bit before stirring in yogurt keeps that silky texture without unwanted curdling.
Layer Thoughtfully: Keeping chicken under the cauliflower and sauce helps it steam gently and stay moist—try not to disrupt this layering too much.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

A close-up of a slow cooker filled with a creamy orange curry sauce layered with small cauliflower florets and tender chunks of a light brown ingredient, all mixed together and sprinkled with finely chopped bright green herbs. The sauce has a smooth but slightly thick texture that coats the pieces evenly. The slow cooker is black and set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, easy Indian curry, creamy chicken crockpot, flavorful slow cooker chicken, beginner-friendly butter chicken

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh cilantro sprinkled on top—it’s such a simple touch but it just brightens the whole dish. If you have a little extra time, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely pop. Sometimes I even throw on some toasted cashews or slivered almonds for crunch—that’s become a family favorite!

Side Dishes

Brown rice is my classic go-to because it adds a little nuttiness and soaks up the saucy goodness perfectly. I also love serving this with quinoa for a nutty, protein-rich pairing. And if I’m feeling indulgent, homemade naan bread is an absolute must—there’s nothing like tearing off soft, buttery pieces to scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the slow cooker butter chicken over a bed of saffron rice with a swirl of yogurt on top and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds—they add vibrant color and a sweet contrast. Another time, I served it in mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic presentation that wowed guests. The creamy sauce also works beautifully as a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers if you need a creative twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge—I find they keep beautifully up to 5 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, which means your slow cooker butter chicken actually tastes better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. When I thaw it out for dinner, it’s like having fresh homemade curry ready to go. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating slow cooker butter chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce silky and to prevent sticking or curdling. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just warm it in short bursts and stir in between. Adding a splash of water or extra coconut milk while reheating helps keep the sauce from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and stay even more tender and juicy during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time if needed and check for doneness as thighs sometimes cook a bit faster.
Is there a way to make this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe spicier?

Yes, you can easily bump up the heat by adding extra chili powder or including a diced green chili during the sauté step. Some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can also amp up the spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

You sure can! Use the sauté function to cook the onions and spices first, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with quick release. Add the yogurt and half-and-half after cooking to keep it creamy.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when adding yogurt?

The key is to let the curry cool down a bit after cooking before stirring in the yogurt. Adding yogurt to very hot sauce can cause it to split. Stir gently and slowly to combine once the temperature has dropped.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe has truly become a favorite in my kitchen and I think you’ll feel the same way once you try it. I love how easy it is to put together, how forgiving it is during the slow cooking process, and how deeply satisfying the final dish tastes. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become one of your signature slow cooker dinners.